There was a time when the humble beach bag contained nothing more than a pair of cheap sunglasses and a lot of sand, but new research out today reveals it’s now jam- packed with trendy accessories and designer goods worth over £500.
There was a time when the humble beach bag contained nothing more than a pair of cheap sunglasses and a lot of sand, but new research out today reveals it’s now jam-packed with trendy accessories and designer goods worth over Ł500.
The research also reveals that one in four Brits (26%) happily leave their personal belongings unattended while they go for a swim or pick up an ice cream, providing thieves with the perfect opportunity to steal expensive belongings.
According to the survey by Norwich Union Insurance, a typical beach bag contains goods worth an average of Ł555 including:
- Mobile phone (average value Ł100)
- Watch (average value Ł80)
- Digital camera (average value Ł150)
- Cash/credit cards (average value Ł150)
- Designer sunglasses (average value Ł75)
However, only seven per cent of those surveyed estimated the value of their bag to the correct amount, with nearly two thirds of holidaymakers (64%) undervaluing their beach bag belongings by a whopping 60 percent.
The biggest culprits when it comes to taking high-value items with them to the beach are 18-24 year-olds, with 93 per cent taking a mobile phone and over three-quarters carrying a digital camera (80%) and MP3 player (72%).
The research also revealed that most women prefer the beach look of Charlotte Church compared to skinny Victoria Beckham, but men prefer the seaside image of David Beckham to the bronzed look of Charlotte’s boyfriend Gavin Henson.
But while holidaymakers may want to copy glam celebrity beach looks, Norwich Union is urging sea and sand worshippers to consider cheap alternatives to high-end designer accessories when it comes to hitting the beach.
Dawn McMullan, travel product manager at Norwich Union, said: “Our evidence suggests that the simple beach bag, once just for towels and sunscreen, has become a glamorous fashion accessory packed with expensive items which make them rich pickings for opportunist thieves.
“Holidaymakers also appear to be severely underestimating the value of their belongings, which means that if they do become a victim of theft, they could find themselves under-insured.”
“We also know that 22 per cent of 16-24 year-olds neglect to take out travel insurance* at all, yet our research suggests that these are the holidaymakers most at risk.”
Last year nearly a quarter (22%) of Norwich Union travel claims were for lost, stolen or damaged belongings. With beaches at home and abroad full to capacity this summer, Norwich Union is urging sea and sand worshippers to take precautions to avoid being caught out by light-fingered beach crooks.
Top tips for beach-goers
- Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach, as they will not be covered by your travel insurance. Instead, take it in turns with your friends or family to go for a swim, leaving somebody you trust with your belongings at all times
- Avoid attracting thieves’ attention by taking cheap alternatives to expensive beach accessories - swap a top-of-the-range digital camera for a disposable, glam Gucci shades for a copycat high street version and that snazzy designer bag for a magazine freebie
- Plan ahead and make use of the hotel safe for valuables - only take what you really need to the beach
- Don’t get caught out without adequate travel insurance cover.
- Be smart and look at your insurance options. For example, if you have to take high value items with you, consider taking out personal belongings cover on your Norwich Union home insurance policy. You can have from Ł2,000 to Ł10,000 of cover for items lost, stolen or damaged anywhere in the world.
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Press office contacts:
Chris Soult, Lexis PR, on 020 7908 6475 or csoult@lexispr.com
Rebecca Holmes, Norwich Union Press Office, on 01603 354 346 or 07800 690 731
Notes to editors
ICM interviewed a random sample of 1001 adults aged 18+, by telephone between 21 and 23 July 2006. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.
*Mintel Travel Insurance Report Feb 2006
Summary of key findings
- Mobile phone is the top valuable people take to the beach (68%), followed by watch (60%), digital camera/video camera (60%), cash/credit cards (40%), designer sunglasses (40%), MP3 player (30%) and make-up (18%)
- 18-24 year-olds take the most expensive items to the beach – mobile phone (93%), digital camera/video camera (80%), MP3 player (72%), designer shades (61%), jewellery (32%). Half of this age group have a bag and contents worth over Ł150
- 46% of men value their belongings in excess of Ł150 but only 10% in excess of Ł500
- 31% of women value their belongings in excess of Ł150 and just 4% over Ł500
- 8% of 18-24 year-olds have had their beach bag or items stolen, the highest of any age group
- 29% of men would leave their belongings unattended on the beach compared to 23% of women
- 22% of men copy David Beckham’s beach look, 20% of women Charlotte Church’s
About Norwich Union
- Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with a market share of around 14%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
- It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest Financial Adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
- Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media